UAPB high jumper Caleb Snowden finishes second at U.S. Olympic Trials, waiting on final call for Paris

PINE BLUFF, Ark. – At the U.S. Olympic Trials on Sunday, a University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff senior proved he was only second to one in America.

Caleb Snowden finished with the silver medal in the men’s high jump and is still waiting to hear if he earned an invitation to compete in Paris.

The 6’6″ student jumped his personal best in competition 2.27 meters or 7’5¼”, leaving a statement that he can perform at the highest level in Paris.

“I definitely feel like I did,” Snowden said. “I feel like there’s more to show, so hopefully I do make the team, and I’m able to show that.”

Making the U.S. Olympic team takes more than the silver medal at the trials, according to Snowden’s coach Natoya Davidson. With not enough athletes reaching the Olympic standard of 7’7¾” the world rankings come into play, but Snowden said those are “confusing.”

“A lot of people who are above Caleb right now haven’t even jumped higher than Caleb,” Davidson said. “They’ve just been at better meets. Better competitions.”

Snowden said he is trying not to keep his hopes too high, but can’t deny how much he wants to make the team.

He has had to work extra hard because UAPB doesn’t have a track on campus. Instead, he goes to a local high school to practice his sport.

Snowden is also the first high jumper from a Historically Black College or University to secure a top-three position in both the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Championships in the same year, according to UAPB.

“It doesn’t really matter where you’re at. Just make sure if you put in the work you stay consistent,” Snowden said. “You can pretty much do anything and the sky is the limit.”

The news from Team U.S.A. on whether Snowden makes the cut is expected by the end of Tuesday or at the latest Wednesday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.